Bible Strands
Joshua 4:7
you are to tell them, ‘The waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters were cut off.’ Therefore these stones will be a memorial to the Israelites forever.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Joshua addresses the Israelites at the Jordan River, directing them to explain the stone pile to future generations when those descendants ask about its meaning.
The words — The Hebrew נִכְרְתוּ (nikh.re.Tu) translates literally as "they were cut off," describing the sudden halting of the river's flow before the ark.
The thread — This directive establishes a permanent memorial pattern that reappears in Exodus 12:14, Exodus 28:12, and Numbers 16:40, where physical markers or appointed days function as lasting reminders of specific divine acts.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to acknowledge that tangible objects are instituted solely to preserve the factual record of God's intervention for future inquiry and testimony.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it passed over Jordan, the waters of Jordan were cut off: and these stones shall be for a memorial unto the children of Israel for ever.
Cross-references
- Exodus 12:14 And this day will be a memorial for you, and you are to celebrate it as a feast to the LORD, as a permanent statute for the generations to come.
- Exodus 28:12 Fasten both stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear their names on his two shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.
- Numbers 16:40 just as the LORD commanded him through Moses. This was to be a reminder to the Israelites that no outsider who is not a descendant of Aaron should approach to offer incense before the LORD, lest he become like Korah and his followers.
- Psalms 111:4 He has caused His wonders to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and compassionate.
- Joshua 3:13 When the feet of the priests who carry the ark of the LORD—the Lord of all the earth—touch down in the waters of the Jordan, its flowing waters will be cut off and will stand up in a heap.”
- Joshua 4:6 to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’
- Isaiah 66:3 Whoever slaughters an ox is like one who slays a man; whoever sacrifices a lamb is like one who breaks a dog’s neck; whoever presents a grain offering is like one who offers pig’s blood; whoever offers frankincense is like one who blesses an idol. Indeed, they have chosen their own ways and delighted in their abominations.
- 1 Corinthians 11:24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “This is My body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”
- Exodus 30:16 Take the atonement money from the Israelites and use it for the service of the Tent of Meeting. It will serve as a memorial for the Israelites before the LORD to make atonement for your lives.”